The National Search and Rescue Centre said pilots Saqr Saeed Mohamed Abdullah al-Yamahi and Hameed Mohamed Obaid al-Zaabi, were among the victims.

Navigator Jasim Abdullah Ali Tunaiji and paramedic Mark Roxburgh also lost their lives.

Image copyrightReuters

Image caption
Shocked witnesses saw the helicopter fall to earth

Mr Roxburgh, a South African, is said to have described himself as a “single dad” to a young child on social media.

“As long as I can remember my dad taught me about self-sacrifice in the service of those in need,” he wrote on his Facebook profile.

Social media were filled with tributes to the men as the news emerged, with many Emiratis offering condolences to loved ones.

The world’s longest zipline opened at Jebel Jais in February.

Toroverde, which runs the 2.83km (1.76 mile-long) adventure experience, confirmed it was closed in a statement online.

“Toroverde Ras al-Khaimah regrets to report that there has been a very serious incident on the mountain, and due to this incident, Jebel Jais Mountain Park and access road have been closed until further notice, in order to give the emergency services the access they need,” the company said.

“All the world’s longest zipline’s flights are cancelled until further notice and we will be in direct contact with all our customers by phone immediately.”